America’s 1% Motorcycle Clubs: The Outlaws Who Ride Free
By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS
The roar of an engine, the gleam of chrome, and the unity of brotherhood encapsulate the spirit of America’s outlaw motorcycle clubs, often referred to as "1% clubs." As someone who has transitioned through various worlds—Islam, veganism, socialism, and even leadership roles in Islamic organizations—my journey to Christianity and conservative values has broadened my understanding of freedom, loyalty, and the human need for belonging.
In many ways, 1% motorcycle clubs embody values I respect: loyalty, self-reliance, and living outside societal norms that increasingly punish individuality. In this article, I’ll explore the history, characteristics, and full list of America’s most well-known 1% motorcycle clubs while considering the cultural significance of their enduring presence in an increasingly regulated world.
The Meaning of the “1%” Patch
The term “1%” originated after the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) allegedly stated in the mid-20th century that 99% of motorcyclists were law-abiding citizens. The remaining 1%—the outlaws—proudly claimed the title, representing their defiance of conventional societal norms. This subculture flourished post-World War II, influenced by veterans returning home, craving the camaraderie and adrenaline they'd experienced in war.
These clubs are not merely gangs but tightly-knit brotherhoods built on codes of honor, respect, and shared identity. Their activities may sometimes clash with legal boundaries, but to dismiss them merely as criminals is to miss the broader picture of their cultural significance.
Full List of America’s 1% Motorcycle Clubs
Here is a comprehensive list of America’s most notable 1% motorcycle clubs. Some are international powerhouses, while others maintain a more regional focus, each adding a unique chapter to the annals of outlaw biker culture:
Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (HAMC)
Established in 1948 in Fontana, California, the Hells Angels are the most recognized 1% club globally. Known for their iconic winged skull emblem, they have chapters worldwide.Outlaws Motorcycle Club (A.O.A.)
Founded in 1935 in McCook, Illinois, the Outlaws claim to be the oldest outlaw club in the world. Their motto, “God Forgives, Outlaws Don’t,” underscores their fierce independence.Pagans Motorcycle Club
Established in Maryland in 1959, the Pagans are one of the “Big Four” outlaw clubs in the United States, known for their distinctive patches featuring the Norse god Surtr.Bandidos Motorcycle Club
Born in 1966 in Texas, the Bandidos are another prominent 1% club, famous for their bold colors and motto, “We are the people our parents warned us about.”Mongols Motorcycle Club
Founded in 1969 in Montebello, California, the Mongols emerged as a club for Hispanic riders who felt excluded by other groups. Their patch features a Genghis Khan-like figure.Sons of Silence
Formed in Colorado in 1966, this club’s motto, “Donec mors non separat” (Until death separates us), highlights their commitment to brotherhood.Vagos Motorcycle Club
Originating in California in the 1960s, the Vagos are known for their green colors and ties to the Southwest.Gypsy Jokers Motorcycle Club
Founded in the 1950s in Oregon, this club embraces a rebellious spirit and has chapters internationally.Warlocks Motorcycle Club
There are multiple clubs named Warlocks; the most prominent was formed in 1967 in Florida by U.S. Navy veterans.Iron Order Motorcycle Club
Though a newer club formed in 2004, the Iron Order has gained attention as one of the few 1% clubs open to law enforcement and military members.
Cultural Significance of 1% Clubs
As an Iranian-American, I’ve experienced the clash between authoritarian systems and the freedom-seeking spirit. Growing up under the Islamic Republic, I saw firsthand the dangers of oppressive control over individual liberties. It’s easy to draw parallels between the fight for freedom embodied by these clubs and the resistance against forces that seek to homogenize and control society.
Motorcycle clubs are a countercultural response to a world that increasingly erodes autonomy. They represent rebellion, not just against laws but against a culture of conformity. For me, as a Christian conservative, they serve as a reminder that true freedom is God-given and worth defending—even if it comes with societal scorn.
Conclusion
America’s 1% motorcycle clubs may ride outside the boundaries of the law, but they do so with a code and a sense of purpose. As someone who has lived many lives—from vegan socialist to Iranian-American conservative Christian—I recognize their defiance as a mirror of America’s foundational values: freedom, individuality, and the courage to stand apart from the crowd.
In the end, whether on two wheels or two feet, the fight for liberty is a journey worth taking.
Citations
- James, D. (2019). The One Percenter Encyclopedia: The World of Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs from Abyss Ghosts to Zombies Elite. Motorbooks.
- Barker, T. (2007). Biker Gangs and Organized Crime. Anderson Publishing.
- Veno, A. (2009). The Mammoth Book of Bikers. Constable & Robinson.
- Winterhalder, E., & De Clercq, M. (2008). Out in Bad Standings: Inside the Bandidos Motorcycle Club. Blockhead City Press.
- Quinn, J. F. (2001). “Angels, Bandidos, Outlaws, and Pagans: The Evolution of Organized Crime Among the Big Four 1% Motorcycle Clubs.” Deviant Behavior, 22(4), 379–399.
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